Randall Fried

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Jun 26, 2025, 11:23 PM

When the Base Stays Home, the Fringe Takes Power

I come from a proud Democratic family. My grandmother, Bessie Fried, and great-aunt, Sarah Schlessinger, helped form the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America in Chicago—a defining union for immigrant women who fought for the dignity of labor and the...

Jun 2, 2025, 7:16 AM

Jews Must Not Be Bystanders

There’s a troubling conversation that keeps resurfacing in our community. It sounds something like this: “Should we say something?” or, worse, “Is this really our place to comment?” This question tends to pop up whenever a Jewish organization or...

May 24, 2025, 4:49 PM

When Everything Is Equal, Nothing Matters

This week, two young lives were extinguished in Washington, D.C., outside the Capital Jewish Museum. Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were not anonymous. They were idealistic, compassionate, and deeply committed to building bridges. Sarah worked in public diplomacy at...

May 21, 2025, 9:31 PM

One Nation, Unequal Sacrifice

I just returned from Jerusalem, where I had the honor of serving as a voting delegate at the 17th Plenary Assembly of the World Jewish Congress. It was a powerful experience—an inspiring convergence of Jewish leaders from 72 countries,...

Jan 27, 2025, 11:37 PM

Confronting Hate: 80 Years after Auschwitz

Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Photo by Randall Fried

Eighty years ago, on January 27, 1945, a Ukrainian unit of the Soviet forces liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most infamous Nazi death camp. For many, this moment symbolizes the triumph of life over death, the resilience of the...

Oct 7, 2024, 9:23 AM

Why Every Jew Must Be an Activist

One year has passed since the horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, and yet, for many of us, the wounds remain open. Over 1,200 dead, 250 were kidnapped, and 101 are still held captive in Gaza. As...

Nov 18, 2023, 3:21 PM

In a journey marked by profound encounters and revelations, my visit to Israel with the World Jewish Congress was a testament to the enduring spirit of a nation and its defenders. Amidst the backdrop of conflict and a world...

Nov 10, 2023, 8:19 PM

A 58hr Journey of Solidarity in Israel’s Heartache

Kfar Azza - members of the IDF continue to comb through this active military zone.

In a span of just 58 hours, a mission with the World Jewish Congress, in collaboration with the IDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought me face-to-face with the resilience of Israel, the raw pain of a nation,...

Nov 1, 2023, 10:08 AM

In an age where racial identity often prescribes societal roles and informs perceptions, the Jewish people find themselves entangled in a global narrative that is not of their own making. The classification of Jews as "white" across the globe...

Oct 23, 2023, 12:50 AM

Indiana U: Reclaiming the Jewish Narrative

In the heart of Indiana University at Bloomington, the voices of Jewish students resonate powerfully against a diverse backdrop of stories and perspectives. Recent events, like the demonstration in support of Israel and the subsequent counter-rally, have unveiled both...

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About Me

Randy Fried is a seasoned Jewish communal professional with nearly two decades of experience in education, engagement, and advocacy. He has worked extensively with teens and adults, specializing in Holocaust education and the Jewish history of Poland. Randy is a member of the World Jewish Congress Jewish Diplomatic Corps and Speakers Bureau, where he represents Jewish communities on the international stage. His work has also included local political advocacy and community outreach, championing both Jewish and broader civic interests at the city and state level. The opinions expressed are his own.